Wyden, Bend brewery take part in tax relief ‘hangout’

Sens. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., and Tammy Baldwin, D-Wis.,hosted a “HappyHalf-Hour Hangout” on Google Monday with craft brewers Gary Fish, owner of Deschutes Brewery in Bend, and Jeff Hamilton, President of Sprecher Brewing Co. in Glendale, Wisconsin.

“From our discussion, it’s clear our laws should be helping breweries and other craft beverage makers grow, not cut them off with redtape and taxes,” Wyden said. “I look forward to working with Sen. Baldwin and my colleagues to pass legislation to remove obstacles these businesses face.”

“Local brewers, like those who joined our Hangout, create jobs and strengthen our local economies,”said Baldwin.”By supporting these small businesses with tax relief, we can help create economic growth and move our Made in Wisconsin economy forward.”

Both brewers focused on the urgent need to pass theCraft Beverage Modernization and Tax Reform Act, authored by Wyden and co-sponsored by Baldwin. This novel legislation expands small producer tax relief for beer, wine, cider and spirits, rolls back outdated regulations and streamlines alcohol administration, making it easier for craft beverage makers to grow their businesses and America’s economy.

Craftbeverages – beer,wine, distilleries and cidermakers–bring to Oregonan estimated$6 billion annually and 40,000 jobs.

Watch the Hangout here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTgk4ZjVDMo